Seven members of England’s ODI party test positive for COVID-19

LONDON: The England Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday confirmed that seven members of the England’s ODI party had tested positive for COVID-19, just two days ahead of ODI series against Pakistan.
However, the cricket board announced that the Royal London ODIs and the Vitality IT20s against Pakistan will go ahead.
Ben Stokes will return to England duties and captain the squad, read a statement issued by the board.
Also Read: Pakistan announce squads for England, West Indies tours
ECP CEO Tom Harrison said, “We have been mindful that the emergence of the Delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of bio secure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak.”
A press release issued by the English board read that following PCR tests in Bristol, it could confirm that seven members – three players and four management team members- of the England Men’s ODI party had tested positive for COVID-19.
Those impacted will now observe a period of self-isolation from July 4 following the UK government’s protocol on quarantine. The remaining members of the party have been deemed close contacts and will also isolate.
The Pakistani squad and support team members will follow PCR tests and bridging protocols to ensure safe entry to camp.
England squad for ODI series against Pakistan: Ben Stokes (captain), Jake Ball, Danny Briggs, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Lewis Gregory, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Matt Parkinson, David Payne, Phil Salt, John Simpson, James Vince.